
6 minute read
THE MOBILE PARADOX
Why Learners Still Prefer Desktops
Mobile phones rule the tech space; each day, we become more connected and on the go than ever before. With each tech giant trying to create the next thinnest, lightest or even foldable device, the race is still on to be the first to get these suckers permanently tethered to our brains. And whilst we can’t help but notice people glued to their mobiles even whilst walking the dog or running on a treadmill, the chance of them completing their learning whilst out and about is slimmer than Apple’s latest iPad.
Our mobile devices are extensions of ourselves, allowing us to work, communicate, consume entertainment, and, yes, even learn from anywhere. Mobile learning is the preferred modality for personal development. And yet, despite the convenience and accessibility of this tantalising carrot, the data still shows that many learners still vastly favour traditional computer-based methods when it comes to completing corporate training and educational activities.
The 2022 Workforce Learning Data Report from findcourses.co.uk revealed that a resounding 72% of workers in the UK preferred to complete any required workplace learning at a desktop or laptop computer, with only 19% opting for mobile phones/tablets. Similarly, a survey by Learning News found that 82% of employees said they used desktop or laptop computers when accessing digital learning content, compared to just 37% using phones or tablets.
So why the apparent disconnect? Why are workers perpetually attached to their mobile devices in their personal lives, consciously choosing to disengage from them when it comes time for professional learning activities? Let’s explore some of the potential factors at play in this mobile learning paradox.
Theory #1: The “Lean Back” vs. “Lean In” Experience
Psychologists and user experience researchers have found that people consume content differently depending on the device and digital interface. Mobile devices provide more of a “lean back” passive experience, where users quickly scroll, skim, and shift between apps in bite-sized bursts. Contrastingly, desktop and laptop interfaces encourage a “lean in” active engagement, where users are more focused and immersed.
Think about what you do at work; weirdly, we do lean towards our computers. Now think about what you do when you sit back on the couch getting ready to watch Clarkson’s Farm while precariously balancing your phone and brew on your sofa… you lean back.
This psychological divide could prompt learners to automatically favour the “lean in” experience of computer-based training when they know they need to concentrate, retain information, and think critically for professional development. When it comes to learning that will impact job performance and career growth, the tendencies of aimless mobile distraction may feel at odds with establishing an optimal mindset for learning.
Theory #2: Compartmentalisation of Mobile Devices
While mobile devices have evolved into powerful workplace tools, many people compartmentalise their smartphone/tablet use. Their phone may be perceived as a personal consumption device for entertainment and social connectivity outside work hours. Laptops and desktops remain the designated “work” devices associated with increased productivity and professional mindset. In the days before computers, students referred to this as “separating the books from the beer”.
Breaking this psychological compartmentalisation and encouraging learners to use their mobile devices regularly for work-based training could require a significant shift in behaviour and device associations. Also, who wants to use their phone that they shell out forty quid per month for to make their boss happy that they’ve completed their fire safety training? Some may appreciate maintaining a firmer boundary between personal and professional technology use.

Theory #3: Technical Constraints
As robust as today’s mobile devices have become, completing e-learning courses or training activities could still feel constrained or frictional on a smaller smartphone screen compared to larger desktop displays. On-screen instructions, visual details, or interactive elements become more cumbersome and obscured on a phone. Toggling between training windows, documents, references, or applications is more accessible on a device that favours multitasking. It feels more natural on a laptop or desktop setup.
While mobile responsive design continues to improve, until more training content and platforms are optimised for native mobile experiences, that gap in functionality and screen constraints could persist as a usability barrier for learners engaging in lengthy or complex coursework on mobile. Mobile devices work well with dedicated learning apps like Duolingo, but your corporate induction programme? Well, not so much,
Theory #4: Lifestyle Factors
For many working professionals, particularly work-from-home employees, their home technology setups may be better equipped for learning, making it more practical to complete training on a desktop or laptop. Employees may prefer to minimise their “lean back” time on mobile devices at home to more effectively separate work and personal life. A mobile phone is sometimes seen as an escape from reality, I’d rather play a game Sodoku game on the loo than learn about conflict resolution in the workplace.
The UK Data Perspective Statistics from the UK workforce appear to validate some of these potential factors behind the continued preference for computer-based learning over mobile.
According to the 2022 findcourses.co.uk report:
43% of respondents cited “distraction from personal apps” as their biggest mobile learning frustration
28% found “mobile screen sizes too small” for an optimal learning experience
58% of Gen Z learners chose a desktop/laptop for training, compared to only 33% preferring mobile
A Government Statistical Service study found that 43% of UK employees regularly worked from a desktop computer compared to only 23% using laptops. This higher concentration of desktop usage in professional environments could translate to ingrained habits and preferences for training on those same primary workstations.
A Learning News survey showed that in the over 40s workforce demographic, 91% of employees opted for desktop/laptop training compared to only 29% using mobile.
Older generations who established their working styles in a predominantly desktop era may most resist mobile learning adoption. As someone born at the end of the 70s, I love my mobile phone but I also appreciate a big screen. A flat-screen monitor is still a technological marvel to me, compared to the big ugly CRT ones I grew up on.
Until mobile learning platforms can meet or exceed the experience of traditional computer-based methods, learners will likely stick with the trusty desktop training that has worked for decades. However, learning professionals should continue to embrace multimodal design and delivery as technology and generational preferences evolve. The future of learning will inevitably become more mobile - it’s just a matter of when the tide entirely shifts. For now, keep on your courses responsive, but don’t get too disheartened when your data shows that the big screen still reigns supreme.